North Korea Launches Beach Resort Amid Hopes of Tourism Revival

North Korea has announced the opening of the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, signaling a potential shift towards revitalizing its tourism sector despite ongoing sanctions and a history of isolation.

North Korea is set to welcome domestic tourists to a newly inaugurated beach resort, the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, a move its leader, Kim Jong Un, hopes will rejuvenate the country's struggling tourism industry. Scheduled to open on July 1, six years after its original completion date, the resort is reported to feature facilities along a 4km (2.5 mile) beachfront, including hotels, shopping areas, restaurants, and a water park. However, information from state-run media, such as the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), remains unverified.

For decades, North Korea has been heavily sanctioned due to its nuclear ambitions, resulting in severe economic hardship. Most of its resources have been diverted towards military efforts and propaganda monuments in Pyongyang, leaving the nation as one of the poorest globally. Observers suggest the resort may offer a new avenue for generating revenue through tourism, particularly targeting visitors from China and Russia, with whom North Korea historically maintains strong ties.

Rowan Beard, co-founder of Young Pioneer Tours, expressed skepticism that the resort might indicate a broader opening to international tourism, as it appears primarily limited to domestic visitors for now. While some international tourism returned gradually post-COVID-19 restrictions, the reopening to Western tourists has been uneven and met with setbacks.

Although agencies believe Wonsan may not attract significant Western attention, some argue that North Korea’s distinctive cultural context could provide a unique allure for niche travelers. KCNA heralded the resort's opening as a “great, auspicious event,” marking it as a potential prelude to a new era in North Korean tourism. Kim Jong Un recently attended a ceremony marking the resort’s completion, showcasing a family appearance with his daughter and wife, adding a personal touch to its inauguration.

Tour operators anticipate that initial foreign visitor numbers will predominantly include Russians, as North Korea currently permits limited entry for specific foreign nationals in light of ongoing partnerships, particularly against Western sanctions. North Korea has also re-established a direct train route connecting to Russia after a prolonged suspension, reflecting a deeper collaboration as both nations navigate external pressures.